The Next Clamshell Handhelds Are All About ‘80s Computers

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In 1980, Nintendo revolutionized portable gaming with the Game & Watch, the first handheld system that folded shut like a clam. They continued this popular design with later systems like the Game Boy Advance SP, Nintendo DS, and 3DS. But Nintendo isn’t the only company making these kinds of devices! Handheld gaming is also big within communities that create and share their own games and emulators, thanks to how easy they are to carry and how powerful they’ve become. Now, a new series of products inspired by classic 80s computers and games has unveiled two new clamshell systems, offering plenty to thrill retro gaming fans.

Retro Games Ltd., known for making updated versions of classic game consoles, is partnering with Evercade and Blaze Entertainment to release two new handheld devices. These are the C64 Handheld and the Spectrum Handheld, inspired by the popular Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum computers from the 1980s. Both devices have a similar design, with slight differences to match the look of the original computers, and each comes pre-loaded with 25 classic games from those systems.

The C64 and Spectrum Handhelds Pay Homage to ’80s Gaming

Both handheld gaming devices launch on October 15, 2026, and will cost $129.99. A collector’s edition will be available from Funstock for $149.99, and it includes a protective carrying case and a special edition of either Crash or Zzap magazine. The devices come pre-loaded with 25 games, and you can add more games using a MicroSD card – as long as you have the game files legally. Each handheld features a 4.3-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 800×480.

These handheld consoles will include a headphone jack and a USB port, allowing you to connect keyboards or joysticks, though they aren’t necessary to enjoy the built-in games. The design clearly takes inspiration from the original computers – the C64 has plastic buttons, and the Spectrum uses rubber buttons just like the classic ZX Spectrum. The systems come pre-configured with the correct button layouts for the 25 included games, and players can customize these controls or create new ones for any additional games they add, making them very versatile.

These are the games that will be included with each system:

The C64 Handheld:

  • A Pig Quest
  • Sam’s Journey
  • Nebulus
  • Boulder Dash
  • Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe
  • Paradroid
  • Hunter’s Moon Remastered
  • Knight ‘n’ Grail
  • Aztec Challenge
  • Krakout
  • Lee
  • Druid
  • Encounter!
  • Galencia
  • Ice Guys
  • Metal Warrior Ultra
  • Millie & Molly
  • Planet Golf
  • Shadow Switcher
  • Spherical
  • Squish ‘Em
  • Steel Ranger
  • X-Out
  • Yeti Mountain
  • It’s Magic 2

The Spectrum Handheld:

  • Starquake
  • Head Over Heels
  • Manic Miner
  • Skool Daze
  • Tiny Dungeons
  • Archon: The Light and the Dark
  • The Great Escape
  • Bounder
  • Switchblade
  • Nightmare Rally
  • M.O.V.I.E.
  • Avenger: The Way of the Tiger II
  • Bugaboo the Flea
  • Devwill Too ZX
  • Hammerfist
  • Hammer Knight
  • Penguin Attack
  • S1NCLA1R C1TY
  • Shovel Adventure
  • Snake Escape
  • Sorcerer Kid Adventure
  • Splat!
  • Tourmaline
  • Where Time Stood Still
  • Zynaps

The C64 and Spectrum Handhelds Are Available for Pre-Order

You can now pre-order the new handheld devices from Retro Games Ltd.! There’s no limit to how many you can buy, but the collector’s edition is limited to just 2,000 units, so don’t wait too long if you want one. The collector’s edition is likely to sell out quickly. Pre-orders are available on Funstock. If you order one, let us know what you think when it arrives in October!

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2026-05-10 17:10